Abstract
We construct a hydrodynamic theory of noisy, apolar active smectics in bulk suspension or on a substrate. Unlike purely orientationally ordered active fluids, active apolar smectics can be dynamically stable in Stokesian bulk suspensions. Smectic order in these systems is quasilong ranged in dimension and long ranged in . We predict reentrant Kosterlitz-Thouless melting to an active nematic in our simplest model in , a nonzero second-sound speed parallel to the layers in bulk suspensions, and that there are no giant number fluctuations in either case. We also briefly discuss possible instabilities in these systems.
- Received 10 April 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.118102
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